Cook Confidently With These 6 Strategies for Preventing Kitchen Fires at Your Restaurant

Running a restaurant is a creative, passionate and sometimes chaotic affair. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen. With industrial-grade cookers and open flames, fire safety is a hot topic. 

Kitchen fires are a serious risk that can do more than disrupt your service. We’ve cooked up six strategies to dampen fire risks so you can flambé and saute the right way!

Let’s get sizzling with tips to help you cook with confidence in your commercial kitchen.

1. Install Fire Suppression Systems

As any restaurant owner, chef or foodie knows, preparation is the first step to the perfect meal. The same goes for handling fire hazards. Any commercial kitchen should have the following measures at a minimum:

• Sprinkler system: Fire sprinkler heads feature a glass bulb inside. When flames rise, the glass bulb shatters, activating the sprinkler system. 
• Suppression system: Suppression systems differ from sprinklers because they avoid using water. Heat or smoke triggers the system, releasing gas, chemicals or foam to suppress the fire. 
• Fire extinguishers: Portable devices contain an agent that cools, smothers or removes oxygen. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires restaurants to have Class K extinguishers. These extinguishers are for fires caused by animal fats or cooking oil. 

2. Respect the Inspections

In the event of a kitchen fire, you want to trust that prevention systems will work as expected. The NFPA recommends inspecting sprinkler systems once a year. Keep fire systems performing with annual or twice-yearly inspections and maintenance. Check for concerns like leaks, corrosion or rust, and other physical damage, and schedule repairs or replacements as needed.  

Inspections also keep you compliant with local fire regulations. A well-maintained system complies with local codes and helps with insurance policies. Plus, you can have peace of mind knowing your systems are ready to perform when needed.

3. Release the Grease 

Grease is among the most flammable substances. Cooking temperatures can ignite grease and oil because of their low flash point. Grease hides in exhaust hoods, ductwork, cooking surfaces, filters, and walls or ceilings, so focus on keeping these areas clean. 

Grease traps catch grease and oil before they hit the plumbing, but a clogged grease trap can become a fire hazard. Get into the habit of regular cleaning and maintenance.  

4. Catch Common Fire Hazards

By identifying the usual fire hazard suspects, you can address them. Heating and cooking equipment are leading causes of commercial building fires. Besides grease, there are other hazards to watch out for in a restaurant’s kitchen. Here are some of the top culprits:

• Electrical hazards: Faulty wires, overloaded circuits or broken extension cords can cause fires.
• Flammable substances: Boxes, dishcloths, alcohol — kitchens are full of combustible materials. Avoid clutter and put protocols in place. 
• Human error: Humans make mistakes. In a restaurant kitchen, a simple mistake could have fiery consequences. Strict safety guidelines and training can sidestep easy-to-avoid errors. 
• Open flames: It’s no surprise that flames cause fires. Kitchen staff should have experience in controlling flames and extinguishing fires.

5. Keep Your Kitchen Clean

A sanitary kitchen is a happy, less flammable, kitchen. A cleaning routine should include trash disposal, decluttering and wiping down appliances. Hair is also a flammable substance. Keeping hair tied up is both sanitary and reduces fire risks.

When you clean your kitchen, remember the ventilation system, as well. Replacing air filters and cleaning ducts improves airflow while reducing fire risk. 

6. Educate and Train Your Staff 

Your staff may know how to cook a steak to perfection, but do they know about fire safety? It’s a multi-pronged approach that teaches them how to prevent fires and what to do if one happens. Fire safety training includes:

• General knowledge: Teach staff to recognize and address potential fire hazards. They should know common fire causes, where they occur in the kitchen and how to handle them. For example, staff should not use water to extinguish a grease fire.
• First aid: Train your staff on the different degrees of burns and how to administer first aid, such as cooling a minor burn under cool running water.
• Fire safety plans: Create a document outlining fire prevention, evacuation plans and responsibilities. This roadmap makes fire procedures easy to follow in an emergency. 
• Equipment training: Fires are less likely to happen if staff know the proper way to use equipment. This knowledge includes fire extinguisher techniques. Consider bringing in a health and safety organization to conduct fire safety training.
• Exit strategies: Make sure employees know where to go if a fire breaks out with clear signage. Practice makes perfect. Hold regular (surprise) drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in a fire.

Fire up Fire Safety at Your Restaurant

Keep your kitchen sizzling with flavor, not flames! By following these strategies, you can turn up the heat on your culinary creations without risking a kitchen inferno. Patrons will remember your restaurant for its dishes instead of its fire drills. A fire-free kitchen is the secret ingredient to a successful restaurant!